St Helen's Primary School

St. Helen’s Primary School Prospectus 2010-2011 Contents Page Heading Introduction A Letter from the Chair of Governors Estyn Inspection Aims of the school Academic Organisation Arrangements for general welfare Admissions Attendance Early Years and Infant education National Curriculum Information Assessment of Progress Targets for Improvement The General School Curriculum Religious Education Welsh as a second Language English as an Additional Language I.C.T. & P.S.E. Arrangements for Special Needs Sex Education Homework After School Clubs Lost property Lunchtime Arrangements Water Bottles Playground Buddies School Council Parents, Volunteers and the School Visiting the School Car Parking PTA Family Learning Medical School Uniform School Rules and Discipline Equal Opportunities Disability Equality Race Equality Dealing with Bullying or Racist Incidents Complaints Procedure Charging and Remissions Policy Sport I.C.T. Suite / Library Project Playground Equipment Breakfast Club Morning Healthy Tuck Shop Holidays in term time Appendices St Helen’s Primary School Prospectus

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Page 2 3 4 4 6 7 7 8 9 10 10 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 18 18 18 18 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 21 21 23 23 23 24 24 25 25 25 26 26 26 28 29+ 2010/2011

Type of School - Introduction The aim of this booklet is to give parents information about our school as required by the Education Act 1980 and subsequent Acts. The information on the school year that appears in this booklet is correct at the time of printing but may be subject to change during the next school year or in subsequent years.

The school is a Primary School, catering for pupils aged 3 to 11 years, with the added benefit of a full time nursery catering for up to 26 children under the age of four. The school building has been here since the early 1870s and still retains many original and unique features. The school has served its community for over 130 years and is very proud of its heritage and the community it serves. The building’s design is in a horseshoe shape and as well as the school itself, also has provision for the County’s Welsh Language Centre and is home to the Primary Support Officers. We have a large nursery, seven classrooms, a dedicated computer room, a library, two school halls and a kitchen. The school is fully committed to preparing for life in the modern world, especially with regard to technological advances and so every classroom has an interactive whiteboard; all computers are linked to each other and via a secure network, and have a secure connection to the internet. Whilst we have no playing fields, we do have two yards that we fully utilise and when children are old enough, we make use of a variety of sporting facilities available throughout the county.

Parents considering sending their children to the school are encouraged to visit the school in order to experience the school’s ethos and vibrant feel and to discuss the necessary arrangements with the head teacher.

We aim at academic excellence and development of the whole child, matching what we provide to the children’s needs and by providing a rich and balanced curriculum that caters for as wide a range of abilities and experiences as possible.

School Hours: Excluding daily assembly, registration time and breaks, the school gives 23 hours teaching time in a normal week for Foundation Phase (F.P.), Key Stage 1 (Infants) children and Key Stage 2 (junior) children. The times of school sessions are as follows: Nursery 8.50am - 11.30am. a.m. session Reception, Infants & Juniors: 8.50am - 12 noon and 12.55pm - 3.20pm.

We expect your child to arrive promptly by 8.50am. We believe that it is very disruptive for the class and disrespectful to the teacher to arrive late without an acceptable reason.

The School address is: St Helen’s Primary School Vincent Street Swansea SA1 3TY

Tel: 01792 655763

FAX: 01792 470019

E Mail: st.helens.primary@swansea-edunet.gov.uk Website: www.sthelensprimary.ik.org St Helen’s Primary School Prospectus

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A Letter from the Chair of the Governing Body On behalf of the Governing Body of St Helen’s Primary School I would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your children.

The Governing Body works in close co-operation with teachers, parents, the Local Education Authority and friends of the school, to ensure your child enjoys a caring and safe environment in which to learn and develop throughout their primary education years.

As an integral part of a thriving community, St Helens endeavours to provide your children with a sense of belonging in which they can feel intensely proud, as we believe in this way children feel more valued, have more self-confidence and are able to develop fully.

Our school takes pride in the high standards that have been achieved over many years. The school was inspected under the Estyn framework in May 2010. The inspectors were very impressed with their findings and we are very proud of the report achieved. They reported that ‘St Helen’s is a successful and improving school that is well led. It’s partnership with a diverse community is exemplary, as is the quality of care, guidance and attention to learners well being’.

I hope that you will continue to support the school and your child in as many ways as possible to ensure that your child is happy and well prepared for the future.

This information booklet provides many answers to questions frequently asked but if you require any further information please contact the school and we shall be pleased to answer any queries or concerns.

You may well have met some of the Governing Body already - for your information, the members are: Mr. P. Cunningham (Chair), Cllr. A. Lloyd, Mr. P. Morgan, Mrs. B. Hynes (LEA Representatives); Mrs. G. Aldridge, Mrs. M. Owen, Mr. P. Crayford (Co-opted Governors); Ms. D Williams, Mrs. S. Begum, (Vice Chair), Mr. Uddin, (Parent Representatives); Mr. M. Cole (Non-Teacher Governor); Mrs. K. Jeffery; (Teacher Representative) Mrs. J. Woolcock (Head Teacher) and Mrs. S. Davey (Clerk) The Governing Body hold regular meetings at school and we will be happy to hear any suggestions or concerns you may have about the way the school is run. We also look forward to getting to know you better during your child’s time at St Helen’s Primary School.

Kind regards.

Mr. P. Cunningham Chair of Governors

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School Inspection The school was inspected in May 2010. The inspection team was very pleased with the standards throughout the school. They reported that … “Most (90% or more) pupils make good progress from below average starting points and standards of achievement are at least good in the creative and practical areas of learning”. They went on to report … “The school provides a caring and friendly environment … parents appreciate the quality of care provided.” … and that …”Nearly all learners demonstrate high levels of courtesy and respect both to adults and their peers. This is a particularly strong aspect of the school.”

We have tried to place a few of the many positive comments from the report throughout this document in order to try and give you an inspector’s view of what we do. If you would like a full copy of the report please enquire at the school office and we will be happy to provide one, or alternatively please visit our website. We are a fully inclusive school and we value all children equally regardless of ability, background, gender or race. Finally we try to use Welsh culture and that of our local community in our teaching and to share our children's education with their parents. We value our pupils and believe that their time in school should be rewarding and fulfilling. Visitors to the school often comment on the warm welcome they receive and the politeness and courtesy our pupils display.

Our vision: “We want our children to develop a positive attitude to learning by providing an experienced based approach, whereby pupils acquire the knowledge and skills required to reach their full potential, in an ever-changing technological society. We expect self-discipline and self-reliance so that our children can work independently as well as in co-operation with others. We aim to create a happy, stimulating and challenging environment where children can grow in caring surroundings learning respect and tolerance for other people and their property”.

Our mission statement: “Expect the best, Give the best, Be the best.”

We interpret BEST as meaning ‘Building Everyone’s Success Together.’ This is reflected in our School Motto: “All Different, All Equal” Aims of the school

The aims of St. Helen's Primary School are:

To develop the whole child – academically, physically, morally and spiritually by providing a happy, safe environment in which our children can learn important life skills.

To involve our pupils as part of the learning process rather than being a product of the process.

To help our pupils to become more confident, articulate and able to communicate and empathise with others.

To empower our pupils by becoming literate, numerate and technologically able to function effectively in the Twenty-first Century.

To give pupils a strong sense of their cultural identity whilst being aware of, and respectful towards, other communities, locally and globally.

To develop good citizens who will grow up to lead safe and interesting lives, and make a positive contribution to society.

To actively seek to raise all standards and be part of an on going self-evaluation process.

To cultivate a climate of success for all children, celebrating all of their achievements, in all aspects of their lives.

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St Helen’s Primary School is …………

• • • • • • • •

A place where children, staff, parents and community – can smile, feel comfortable and enjoy the atmosphere A place where children and staff feel safe, valued and respected A place where all achievement is celebrated A place that stimulates and inspires A place to be enjoyed A place to be proud of A place where the most important things taught and learned are values A place where the most important rule is to treat others, as you would wish to be treated yourself

The St Helen’s Teacher will ………….

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Be clear about what the children should hope to attain from an activity Have a clear understanding of the abilities and needs of individual children Be sympathetic to those needs and differentiate accordingly Set realistic and useful targets, which will benefit children Plan with assessment in mind Keep a clear, uncluttered and precise focus for learning activities Stimulate and inspire children and colleagues Create an environment and atmosphere conducive for learning Allow children to feel comfortable in learning and enable them to enjoy learning Know when to teach and when to allow children to learn Prompt, when necessary, during a child’s learning and act like a ‘sheepdog’, gently keeping pupils on relevant learning paths Encourage, praise and celebrate achievements (including individual achievement irrespective of level and degree of success) Teach and enable children to discuss and explore values

The St Helen’s teacher will know what, how and when to teach, will be clear and precise in objectives, will set clear, specific and achievable outcomes for pupils, will plan with assessment in mind and will know how and when to let children learn.

Parents and Pupils will …

•

Be encouraged to support and enhance the school ethos and to contribute positively to the teaching and learning environment. The school operates a home / school agreement system. (See appendix).

Parents are encouraged to participate in this agreement.

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Academic Organisation September 2010 Head Teacher: Mrs. J Woolcock (CPD, PSHE, History) Year Teacher Curriculum Responsibility N Ms. L. Clarke R Mrs S. Jenkins Welsh & Maths. * T.L.R. for Transition 1 Mrs. N. Fredrickson English, PE & History 2 Mrs K Jeffrey R.E. & Geography * T.L.R. for Inclusion 3 Mrs J. Lowe Art & Display and D & T. 4 Mrs. J. Jones Maths, PSE and R.E. * T.L.R. for Assessment 5 Mr. K. Hodder (DH) ICT, Science and P.E. 6 Mrs. R. Edwards Science, ICT and D&T Mrs Debbie Cerasuolo (on maternity leave)

Admin Officer:

Mrs. S. Davey

Admin Support

Mrs J Gillespie

Miss .O. Williams Miss. L. Rees Miss. M. Griffiths-Jones Mrs. S. Davies

Site Manager:

Teaching Assistants Mrs. M. Kinge Miss. L. Bevan Mrs. K. Angus Ms. L. Davies

Mr. M. Cole

Mrs A Branford Mrs B. Cunningham (HLTA) Mrs. M. Davies Mrs. H. Khatun

Language Support Teachers & Bilingual Teaching Assistants Mrs. R. Brace Ms. K. Davies Mrs. S. Blanche Mrs. Y. Rahman Mrs. Miah Mrs N. Arafat Mrs Y. Rogers

Midday Supervisors Mrs. J. Nijjer Mrs. T. Tuha

Mrs. L. Hawkins

Music

Peripatetic Staff Mr. Godwin Welsh

Mrs. N. Griffiths

Mrs. J. Paplinski

Cleaning Staff Mrs. N. Angus

Our Nursery class is currently part time and children who are 3 or 4 may attend.

Children are eligible for full-time Education in September of the school year in which they are 5.

All classes are mixed gender and ability. Most classes are single age group classes but, occasionally numbers in a particular year group mean that children of the same school age are split between two classes e.g. there may be a Y5/6 class. Regardless of their final class placement pupils are always taught as appropriate to their year group and given work that matches their ability and development needs.

“Members of staff establish good working relationships with learners; this helps them

achieve success and enjoy their lessons. Staff have good subject knowledge and expertise”. ….Estyn Inspection Team May 2010.

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Arrangements for the General Welfare of Pupils Class teachers are responsible in the first instance for their pupils and oversee general progress and welfare. The Head teacher has overall responsibility and should any significant problem or changes occur these should be reported to her.

If any changes occur at home that might affect progress or behaviour in school, you are asked to inform the class teacher and Head teacher as soon as possible so that a special eye can be kept on your child. Likewise, if you child appears unhappy at school or is having a particular difficulty with schoolwork, it is important that we know so that appropriate steps can be taken to remedy matters.

Our first priority is your child’s welfare and therefore there may be occasions when our concern about your child means that we have to consult other agencies even before we contact you. The procedures we follow have been laid down by the All Wales Child Protection Procedures.

We believe that you and your children will find the pupils at St Helens to be both welcoming and friendly, however, should you suspect that your child is being bullied, please come in and tell us about it and we will tackle any problems that may occur immediately.

During play or lunch-breaks a teacher or a Supervisory Assistant supervises the children.

The Educational Welfare Officer is situated on-site, visits school regularly and will always make a home visit to enquire about frequent or unexplained absence. If your child has been absent for any reason, you must explain his or her absence as soon as possible by speaking to class teachers, writing an absence note or telephoning the school secretary. We cannot accept an explanation from a child. If your child is late arriving at school or wishes to leave early for an appointment, you must give a verbal explanation in person to the class teacher or send a letter of explanation.

All staff have received First Aid Training. If your child is taken ill or has an accident at school, a first-aider will, if possible, attend to him or her. We will always attempt to contact you in serious cases. If we fail to contact you, we will do all we can to help your child by taking him or her to a doctor or to hospital.

Admissions If you wish to enrol your child at St Helen’s Primary School, you should firstly contact the Head teacher to ensure that there is sufficient space available as there is a maximum of 30 pupils per class.

Nursery Children - Children are admitted part-time to the Nursery Class following the child’s third birthday.

Reception Children - If the child resides within the school’s catchment area a place is automatically offered. It is important to note that parents must formally accept a placement offer by March (pre-ceding the September of admission). If parents living outside that area wish to send their child to St Helen’s Primary School, they are required to apply, using a Preferred Placement form.

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Prospective parents are invited to contact the school to arrange a visit during school hours, not only to see the Headteacher and staff, but also to sample the working atmosphere of the school. An admissions meeting for parents of children with statements of SEN will be set up to formalise details. This meeting will usually be attended by a member of the LEA or Special Needs staff. Every possible effort will be made to ensure that the needs of children with impairments are considered at the admissions meeting. It is important that the school makes every effort to remove barriers (physical and attitudinal) so that impairment does not necessarily lead to disability.

Attendance Since August 1991, all schools must distinguish in their attendance registers between AUTHORISED and UNAUTHORISED absences of pupils of compulsory school age.

Authorised (i.e. legal) absences cover: medical/dental appointments; educational visits; religious holidays, annual family holidays and sickness. The teacher needs to be informed in writing of the reason for absence, if this is not done the absence has to be categorised as unauthorised.

Unauthorised (i.e. illegal) absences are recorded and their rates will be published in annual reports and the school brochure.

It should be noted that authorised leave is granted for an annual holiday during term time but only in exceptional circumstances may the amount of leave total more than 2 weeks in any school year.

For absences due to family holidays a form is included in this handbook or can be obtained from the School Office.

Requests for children to stay in at playtimes are normally refused in the case of minor ailments. We feel that if a child is well enough to be in school they need the benefit of a fresh air break.

The school will continue to give a very high priority to good attendance. At primary level, good attendance depends foremost on a positive attitude by parents. At this young age your children depend on YOU to get them to school regularly and on time.

1.

Please make sure your child attends school REGULARLY.

2.

In the case of absence, ALWAYS send a letter or telephone the school to explain the absence. Our registers are electronic and we record number of minutes late as well as absences. We contact parents if a child is not in school by 9.30am.

3.

Children who are substantially late, i.e. arriving at school after 9.30am, will be marked as an UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE. Please make sure your child/children come to school on time.

4.

All absence without explanation is UNAUTHORISED.

5.

It is more than likely that if your child is frequently absent that the EWO (Education Welfare Officer) will pay a visit to your home.

Unauthorised attendance figure for 2009/2010 is 0.1%.

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Early Years and Infant Education At St Helen’s we aim to develop the whole child. We strongly support a multi-sensory experienced based approach, where children are encouraged to use all their senses to find out about the world around them. We endeavour to create a safe, caring, interesting environment for happy children. The children’s own language and cultures are valued.

Between the ages of 3 and 5 children follow ‘The Foundation Phase’ curriculum which has seven areas of learning and experience within it.

These areas of learning are not discrete subject areas, but are integrated and over lapping areas of experience. The seven areas of learning are language, literacy and communication; Welsh language development; mathematical development; personal and social development; well-being and cultural diversity; knowledge and understanding of the world; creative development and physical development.

All learning experiences are child centred and lay the foundations for future learning throughout our children’s lives.

Developing the home/school link is vitally important in the Early Years and parents are encouraged to take an active part in their child’s learning and to discuss any concerns that they might have with teachers.

Having set the foundations in Early Years we continue to build on the practical learning experiences as the children progress through Years 1 and 2. Children still discover and develop through first hand involvement and master new skills that will help them prepare for future learning in Key Stage 2 (juniors).

Experience has shown that it is very important children attend school regularly; otherwise they are unable to learn new skills or to build on them as quickly as those who do.

“Children under fie make a good start in the acquisition of basic and key skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT. Younger and older ones also develop bilingual skills well.”

“The under-fives benefit from a range of rich and stimulating learning experiences, both indoors and outdoors.

This provision promotes well both enquiry skills and independence so that children become actively involved in the learning. The school is implementing the Foundation Phase well, including the effective development of the outdoor curriculum that is a successful feature of provision.” Estyn Inspection Team 2010 St Helen’s Primary School Prospectus

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Information about the National Curriculum Throughout your child's school life, he or she will follow the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum is designed to provide a firm foundation in language, mathematics and science, and to provide children between the ages of 5 and 16 with the opportunity to achieve their best within a broad and balanced skills based of subjects curriculum.

Your child will follow the National Curriculum through three key areas of development of his or her compulsory school life in primary school. These are: Foundation Phase, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Assessment of Progress Initially, your child will be assessed during the first term in Primary School. This is known as baseline assessment.

At the end of Foundation Phase / Key Stage 1 when your child reaches the age of 7, he or she will be assessed and given a level on the National Curriculum scale.

At the end of Key Stage 2 when your child reaches the age of 11, he or she will be assessed and given a level on the National Curriculum scale.

However, such basic information in the form of tables, derived from brief tests, which measure only a small part of total school life, may not be the best indicators of a successful, or even an unsuccessful school. It does not indicate the progress that your child has made since starting at St Helen’s Primary School. In our opinion, the best information concerning your child's attainment and achievement can be had from your child and your child's teacher and we would urge you to talk to both of them to find out how your child is doing. Should you wish to discuss the information in the table, please do not hesitate to contact the Headteacher. Pupils individual annual report is also a constructive record for staff and parents.

Target Setting Targets for pupil attainments are incorporated into the annual School Development Plan, published during the Autumn Term. Progress in meeting these targets is published in the Governing Body's Annual Report to Parents, published in the Autumn Term each year.

In the latest available assessment information (2010), the percentage of children achieving the key stage performance indicator (i.e. attaining at least level 4 in all the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum statutory tests of English, Maths and Science) was 73% against a national (all Wales 2008) percentage of 77% and a Swansea average of 74%. However, we consider all children have a bright future and therefore encourage every child to work to their potential and to experience success in some aspect of the school's life.

We build into our teaching a continuous process of evaluation and development. We try to learn as much as we can about each individual child's needs and use that understanding for more effective teaching and learning. Every one of our children has an 'Individual Targets for Learning ' booklet which sets out his/her most important targets in all areas of the curriculum, especially in English and Maths. Children, parents and teachers sign these booklets.

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School Development The Strategic Management team (together with Governors) review policy, practice and standards, set targets for school improvement and monitor the progress of developmental plans. All staff are involved in the self-evaluation process.

The General School Curriculum The school operates a broad skills based curriculum, (using the National Curriculum 2008 framework) which is based on building the child’s skills, experiences, and will focus on the systematic development of basic and key skills. The emphasis will be on developing key skills such as Number, ICT, Communication and Thinking. The ‘Cwricwlwm Cymreig’ and Personal and Social Education features greatly in cross-curricular activities.

A typical school day will include most of the following; reading activities, a range of writing, talking and listening activities, poetry, stories, mathematics and PSE. In addition scientific and historical curiosity is stimulated by observational studies of living and inanimate things and practical experiences are always explored. Environmental Studies, Technology and Computer Studies are included. Welsh is taught as a second language.

The children are given an awareness of music and art in all these aspects. They are taught to develop agility and physical co-ordination confidence in and through physical activity and the ability to express feeling through movement, drama and dance.

A cross-curricular thematic approach is used wherever appropriate in order to give our children a broad range of learning opportunities.

Teachers plan with assessment in mind. During each school year every pupil will be assessed against National Curriculum criteria. At the end of Key Stage 1 (Infants) and Key Stage 2 (juniors) National Curriculum assessments will be carried out.

The school uses standardised NFER tests from Reception to Year 6 and operates a ‘tracking’ system to monitor progress.

All parents are encouraged to work in close co-operation with the school. Regular Parent Teacher consultations are held for parents to be informed of children’s progress and targets.

The work that we plan for your children is designed to meet the particular needs of your child with the requirements of the Foundation Phase/National Curriculum in mind. We try to be sympathetic to the needs of individuals. Our record keeping and methods of assessment are geared to checking on your child's progress through the Foundation Phase/National Curriculum. We are committed to developing basic skills at all levels to ensure all pupils are numerate and literate as these are the foundations for all other learning We believe that children learn in a variety of ways - from their teacher, from each other, by discovery and particularly through their senses. Our lessons are designed to provide your child with a wide range of experiences to stimulate those senses. The emphasis will be on practical tasks, visits and discussion so that children will have lots of first hand experience from which they can learn. These experiences will be the starting point and the support for your child's work in Language, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, The Arts, Science and Technology. The basic skills in all these subjects (Reading, Writing, Number etc.) will be taught in a planned and relevant way so that children can learn to communicate their knowledge and understanding.

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Your child will be expected to work independently but also encouraged to work cooperatively with other children. Our teaching will emphasise the need to respect and understand fellow pupils regardless of colour, religion, race or gender.

Religious Education The school has no affiliation with any particular religious denomination, but contact with all local churches is actively encouraged. R.E. and Morning Assembly are mainly Christian in character, although both are non-denominational. Given the multi-ethnic nature of our school, some knowledge and understanding of other faiths and cultures is essential for your children to grow up together as tolerant friends. Therefore, there is a multicultural element to R.E. and Assembly. Assembly is a particularly important meeting point during the day when we share our faith, our prayers and our news. You have the right to withdraw your children from R.E. and Assembly if you wish, but we hope that you will not find it necessary.

Religious Education in the school follows the course of study set out in the Education Reform Act 1988 that aims to develop knowledge of Christianity and an awareness of other world religions. All classes receive one lesson per week of Religious Education, which may be dealt with in a cross-curricular fashion.

Welsh Welsh is taught as a second language. The school follows teaching schemes and resources recommended by the local education authority, which mainly aim for oral proficiency. However, the National Curriculum requires certain levels of competence in writing and reading Welsh, which children will be expected to attain by Year 6. It is the school's aim to use the Welsh language in such a way as to ensure that children see, hear and use it as a natural part of school life. It is given a prominent role in many school activities. Children also have an opportunity to learn about the culture and heritage, as well as the language of Wales, through such activities as St. David's Day celebrations. Our teaching of Welsh is supported by the team of peripatetic Welsh teachers', 'Athrawon Bro', who work alongside teachers and pupils in promoting the Welsh Language Teachers undertake relevant training to do this.

“Standards of achievement are good … They are good in speaking and listening, reading and writing … (pupils) use incidental spoken Welsh and respond well to commands”. … Estyn Inspectors May 2010

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Children who have English as an Additional Language - E.A.L. St Helens is proud of its multiethnic, multicultural make up as we believe that the fact that many of our children come from all over the world adds to the richness of the learning experience in the school. Our everyday teaching is delivered through the medium of English and so the school has access to a team of teachers who are expert in teaching children who have English as an additional language in order to ensure that pupils who are learning to use English as an additional language for educational purposes receive appropriate access to the Foundation Phase/National Curriculum and equal opportunity to achieve their academic potential. These teachers work in class alongside the class teachers and are very supportive to the educational needs of all our children.

We have also access to a team of bilingual teaching assistants who have, for example, Bengali or Arabic as their first language. They support the learning of individual children, working alongside the EAL and class teachers. The school has appointed a Bengali speaking assistant in KS2 to support the development of Literacy and Numeracy through the children's first language.

I.C.T. – Information Communication Technology Our ICT Vision: ‘ICT skilled today, opens the technological world of tomorrow.’

Our children are growing up in an ever changing world with evermore fantastic technological developments. Therefore we believe that it is our duty to equip our pupils with ICT skills that they can use to explore the world they live in and make best use of the equipment that is available to them. To enable us to do this we have computers in each class and a dedicated computer room (ICT Suite) with direct, but protected, access to the internet. Each classroom has an Interactive Whiteboard and at least two networked computers, which has in our experience generated increased interest in the lessons themselves and raised standards of teaching and learning as pupils are actively encouraged to show what they know and can do. Children are also encouraged to use digital cameras and video cameras to record and report what they are doing to a variety of audiences. As new technology becomes available the school and its staff strive to maintain their level of knowledge in order to make the best use of the new advances and to pass on that knowledge to the children. We have our own website, so please visit us at www.sthelensprimary.ik.org

Personal and Social Education (PSE): The School follows National Guidelines on PSE. Topics include: citizenship, moral attitudes, social considerations, emotions, responsibility, drugs and sex education.

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Pastoral Care Arrangements: The school aims to have a caring, happy and secure atmosphere. Where necessary, the school liaises with other caring agencies. There is a close co-operation at all times with Dylan Thomas and other secondary schools. The class teacher is responsible to the Headteacher for the general care of your child. The children are encouraged to become aware of themselves and develop a positive and responsible attitude to their work and play, and to develop a caring concern for the needs of others. When a child is taken ill at school, every attempt is made to contact the parents as soon as possible.

Minor accidents are dealt with promptly by members of staff, teaching assistants, or the supervisory assistants depending upon the time of the mishap. Should further medical attentions be required, the parent is notified, and requested to accompany the child. If the parent cannot be contacted, a member of staff will escort the child to the doctor or hospital, whilst further attempts to contact the parents are made. (This will be carried out only under the authorisation of the Headteacher or her appointed representatives) The School’s Health Service arranges regular dental examinations, sight test at 8 years, hearing test at 5 years and at least one full medical inspection during a child’s school life. A clinic nurse will visit school if necessary.

Regular contact is maintained between the school and the Educational Welfare and School’s Psychological Services. During morning and afternoon break, children are supervised in the playground by teachers and authorised teaching assistants; whilst at lunchtime children who remain in school are looked after by the supervisory assistants.

Arrangements for Children with Additional Learning Needs Consideration of children’s additional learning needs forms an important part of school life. All children are special and as such they all deserve the help and support we can give them.

In addition to the educational needs of more able and talented and slow learning children, many other difficulties are catered for including physical, social or behavioural problems.

The school works in partnership with the speech and language therapist who visits each term. All children with special educational needs are placed on the Special Educational Needs List and parents are informed and involved from the outset as we know from experience that the sooner we all work as a team the soon the children start to make better progress . We have staff trained to identify pupils with speech and language difficulties and deliver a programme of work.

When planning programmes of work, staff take great care to plan for differentiation of tasks to accommodate all the children they have in their classes. The school has a specialist teacher for children who have Special Educational Needs. She is also available to advise teachers and parents about learning strategies for children who have a range of learning difficulties.

The school’s SENCO, works in partnership with two full time teaching assistants and with every class teacher to help improve pupils’ learning, in a variety of ways. The team works with some of the children in the classroom supporting curriculum work, but St Helen’s Primary School Prospectus

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where necessary, children are withdrawn to work in a quiet place, on a specific reading, mathematical or language task. We also have a trained ELKLAN teacher and three teaching assistants who are able to support pupils identified as having speech and language concerns.

Children with more specific learning difficulties may be, after parental consultation, referred to the school's Psychological Service. Such children may then receive regular daily help from our specialist teacher.

Children, who are making slow progress, also have the benefit of a teaching assistant who will help them with work in class and help class teachers set appropriate programmes of work for them to follow.

Parents are always made very welcome - your co-operation is actively encouraged and sought after, particularly if your child is experiencing difficulties of any kind. We will make time available for you to come and discuss ways that you can give your child extra support. St Helen’s is a fully inclusive school. Should you or child have any disabilities or specific needs we will endeavour to address them.

A copy of the school’s Special Needs Policy can be obtained from the Headteacher.

Sex Education Following the guidance of the Education Reform Act 1988, Governors and staff have decided that Sex Education should be included in the school curriculum within a carefully planned Health Education Programme. This forms part of the broader spectrum of Personal and Social Education, which takes account of the needs of pupils as they develop and mature through the years of compulsory schooling.

Parents will be fully informed of the content of the Sex Education Programme, and given the opportunity to see the teaching materials before they are introduced in the classroom. However, parents do have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of the Sex Education provided. This preference should be made in writing to the Headteacher.

Homework There has been a great deal of research published in recent months that supports the view that children who regularly do homework, achieve significantly higher results in basic literacy and numeracy, than those who don’t. In the light of this we have decided to review our homework policy which in future will include the following elements:-

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Home Reading It is impossible to stress strongly enough, how important this is. Your child will have a Home Reading book and a record book to accompany this. Please set aside at least 10 minutes every day to sit with your child to hear him/her read. We have guidelines in school to give you ideas of how you can best help with reading skills, but the most essential element is that it should be an enjoyable experience that is a regular part of your child’s daily routine.

Spelling / Tables Practice Children will be expected to learn tables and spelling work when set. Spelling lists, when sent home, will reflect current topic work. You may feel that some words are quite difficult. Don’t be put off, your child will often find these “difficult” words interesting - they will certainly be relevant to the work going on in the classroom - and therefore will be motivated to learn and remember them, using the Look, Cover, Say, Write, Check method practised at school - if you are unsure of how this system works, please ask your child’s class teacher.

Maths One piece of Maths homework will be set each week. Some of the Maths activities set will involve you or others at home, while some will be for your child to do alone. Most of these activities will take about 10 - 15 minutes to complete. Some actives are for practice and some are meant to get the children to think, but they are all meant to be enjoyable. You don’t have to teach any maths - just join in when your child needs a partner to work with.

English / Topic Work From time to time your child’s class teacher will give a topic for home research. This will support work going on in school and is an ideal opportunity for your child to “pick your brains”, visit the library or local sites if appropriate - and will give a valuable opportunity for home involvement. Alternatively, a whole class project book for creative writing may be sent home for your child’s contribution.

Pupils in Year 6 will have regular homework set in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science in preparation for end of Key Stage teacher assessments.

Homework is also an opportunity for children to access information using I.C.T. (Information Communication Technology) for example, researching information on CDs or the internet, but it must be emphasised that this does not mean simply downloading or copying and pasting chunks of information and handing it in its unedited form!

After School Clubs / Extra Curricular Activities There are a variety of activities available to the children during their schooling. These include visits of educational interest, choir, art, cycling, swimming, recorders, dance, gardening, cooking, guitar, rugby, cricket, rounders and football. They may vary from year to year, depending on the interest and talents of the staff, parents and pupils. In addition, children from the school take part in sports matches, athletics St Helen’s Primary School Prospectus

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meetings, fund raising events for various charities, drama and musical performances for parents and the community.

Homework Club A homework club is available on Thursdays between 3.30pm and 4.30pm for pupils in Y5 and Y6. The club offers a range of activities that include completing homework set by class teachers to cooking and creative arts.

Art Club An art club is available to those interested every Tuesday between 12.20pm-1.00pm. The club is intended to develop artistic skills through a range of projects and the art work produced will be used to improve the school environment.

Chatter Club A Chatter Club is offered to selected pupils to improve communication and language skills. The club is run on a Thursday after school for one hour and concepts covered are positions, shape, colour and time.

Eco Club This club is held on Wednesdays after school during the Spring and Summer terms, and concentrates on improving the environment of the school, whilst also developing an understanding of what is needed to help plants grow.

Sports Clubs A variety of sports clubs are on offer to both girls and boys including football, rounders, cricket, tennis and netball.

Pupils participate in games within the county and have taken part in representative and demonstration games at well known sporting venues The Liberty Stadium and St Helen’s Cricket Club.

Computer Club This club is run during Thursday lunchtime and gives children an opportunity to explore and develop their computer skills. Amongst the projects the children are updating school’s website, writing termly newspaper articles, using digital cameras and microscopes, producing short animations and using control technology.

Adult Classes St Helen’s Primary School hosts a number of free adult learning classes and, in conjunction with Swansea College, depending on demand offers classes in ICT and conversational English (to families with a main language other than English).

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Lost Property Please try to ensure that your child’s clothing and personal possessions are named.

We frequently end up with numerous items that are never claimed. Please ensure lunch boxes are clearly labelled with your child’s name. Children are provided with all equipment needed for use at school and each item is marked with the pupil's name. If items of school property are lost or deliberately damaged, parents will be asked to pay for replacements.

Lunchtime Arrangements A quality school lunch is provided for those pupils who require them at a cost of £1.90 per day. Cooked meals are prepared on site and a vegetarian option is offered. Halal meat is served as one of the protein options. Jacket potato and a salad bar is available daily.

Dinner money is collected every Monday morning for the following week.

Please put dinner money in an envelope with your child’s name, class and amount enclosed listed. Provision is also made for those pupils who wish to bring a packed lunch. No glass bottles or containers are allowed for obvious reasons. We have designed a leaflet for ideas for healthy packed lunches (see appendix).

The organisation of school meals, particularly the supervision of the children, is a difficult exercise and the success of the work depends entirely on the close cooperation between the teacher on duty, kitchen staff, lunchtime supervisors, children and their parents. Children who persistently misbehave or are non-co-operative during the lunch hour period, will, after due warning and consultation with the parents, be suspended from school at lunchtime. (Those entitled to free meals will leave at 12.15.p.m. after their meal).

Children remaining in school at lunchtime must not leave the school at any time without permission from the Headteacher. This will only be given upon receipt of a written or telephoned request from parents.

Water Bottles Pupils are encouraged to drink two bottles of water a day. Pupils can purchase a plastic water bottle and are expected to fill these, during break times from the water fountains situated in either the Infant or Junior halls.

Playground Buddies Children in Year 5 and Year 6 are chosen to become Playground Buddies. These children are trained in helping younger children to play together, being peer mediators and fostering good friendships. There is a range of equipment available for pupils to play with during lunchtimes. Staff have been trained in organising playground games and the yards are separated into different zones to cater for a range of activities.

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School Council We strongly believe in involving the children in all areas of school life so that they become part of the education process and not ‘as a result of it’! We want children to be an integral part of the school and intensely proud of it. In order to give pupils a clear voice we have established an active and effective school council. We see the council as a way for the children to influence whole school matters that are important to them.

Each class elects two representatives and the council sits monthly to discuss agenda items. The council have been involved in meaningful projects that have included formulating a school vision for ICT, house-point reward system, looking at school meals, improving the school yards, consistent playground conduct and even interviewing candidates for teaching posts. The children have shown themselves to be more than capable in their role as councillor. The children’s representatives have highly original ideas and perceptions that often cut straight to the problem and offer simple and effective solutions.

Parents, Volunteers and the School At St Helen’s Primary School we see the partnership between the parents and teachers as being of paramount importance. Therefore, parents are welcome in the school at any time. However, if the school is in session please appreciate that it is impossible for a teacher to leave the class unattended to be involved in detailed discussion about an individual child. Therefore, we ask you to phone or visit should you wish to discuss your child, and an appointment will be made for you.

The partnership between parents and the school is evolving in a variety of ways, both on a professional and social level. For example, on a social level we have had picnics, parades and fetes and we are always open to further suggestions.

On a professional level, every effort will be made to keep you informed as to what we are doing in school to educate your child via Parent Consultation, our school website, information/newsletters and school newspaper.

In addition to this many parents help in the school on a voluntary basis; e.g. a team of parents are helping with displays and the library. Other parents hear children read, or help with maths or help in other ways around the classroom. We are always seeking further parent helpers. Should you feel you could help in any way, please contact your child’s teacher, as your support is invaluable. If you are able to spare some time, we would be very pleased to hear from you.

Open days are held twice a year to give parents an opportunity to see work and discuss progress. Children set great store by their parents attending these sessions. Please make every effort to attend (N.B. alternative arrangements can be made if necessary and we endeavour to provide translators at these meetings if required).

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Visiting the school Parents are always welcome to visit the school. However, for security reasons when visiting, it is necessary to inform the secretary’s office and sign in. School entrances are kept locked (except at the beginning and end of school day) and entry is only possible via the main office entrance. Please inform the school if you have any special requirements and we will endeavour to accommodate.

Car Parking Due to the considerable danger of traffic servicing the school, parked cars directly outside the main gates on Vincent Street create a hazard for which the Education Authority cannot accept any responsibility in cases of accidents. Parents are therefore asked to ensure by example that children exercise caution when entering and leaving the school in order to prevent a serious or even possibly fatal accident. Parents are asked not to park/drop off/pick up on the yellow lines outside the school gates.

P.T.A. A Parent/Teacher Association works hard to organise fundraising and social events for the school. A considerable amount of money has been raised for the school in recent years that has been of great benefit to pupils. New faces and new ideas are always needed. You will be made most welcome if you are able to come along to events or meetings. Please contact Ms. D. Williams (Chairperson PTA) for details.

Family Learning We have an extremely successful family learning group led by Mrs Anne Jones. They meet every Thursday morning in the school library and even have their own blog spot: www.sthelensfamilylearning.blogspot.com

Medical If your child is unwell and unable to remain in school, you will be informed. Please make sure that we have your current contact telephone number as it prevents problems should we need to contact you. Please inform us of any allergies that your child may suffer from.

We receive numerous requests to administer medicine to children. Swansea County Council recommends that only prescribed medicines be given (no drops, injections etc.)

We cannot administer these medicines without your authority, so please use the form provided at the end of the brochure or ask in the office for a spare form. All medicines must be stored in the school office and should be clearly labelled with the name and class of child. (With the exception of Ventolin inhalers which can be kept with the child concerned).

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Head lice This is a community problem that does, unfortunately, manifest itself in school life from time to time. Details for dealing with head lice can be obtained from the school or from your local health centre. If your child is found to have head lice the school will contact you and you will be expected to transport your child home for treatment. If, after treatment, any lice or eggs are found in a child’s hair, he or she will be sent home for further treatment. This action is necessary to protect other pupils.

Careers Education and Work Experience Wherever possible and appropriate, personnel from Industry, Commerce and the Services will contribute to pupils’ learning experiences. (Usually through crosscurricular work topics) St Helen’s Primary School also works in partnership with Secondary Schools (including Dylan Thomas and Bishop Gore) and Further Education colleges by offering work experience placements to students. The school also enjoys partnerships with Swansea University, Swansea Metropolitan University and Swansea College and offers placements and training to student teachers, child-care trainees and student nurses.

School Uniform It has been agreed by parents and the Governing Body that school uniform is a compulsory aspect of school life. We have a sweatshirt and polo shirt showing the school badge, which we expect all pupils to wear.

The sweatshirt and polo shirt can be obtained directly from the school via Mrs. Davey, the secretary. We ask that skirts are of a reasonable length and that sensible footwear is worn i.e. flat heeled. We also expect all pupils to wear the school’s physical education school uniform. A t-shirt (with badge), shorts and handy drawstring bag are provided, all of which can be purchased from Mrs. Davey in the school office.

Please note that jewellery other than watches and stud earrings should not be worn.

If jewellery is believed to be a danger to your child or to others they will be asked to remove it immediately. Please help us by not sending your child with chains and rings, whilst they may look pretty in school they are a health risk that could permanently injure or even kill!

School Rules and Discipline Every community needs clear, enforceable rules in order to protect people and property and to ensure an efficient organisation. Our school rules are kept to a minimum and are based primarily on consideration and respect for others and their property.

Rules for the School 1.

Bullying and racism are always unacceptable behavior.

Children involved in either activity will always be reported to the Headteacher.

2.

Children are expected to be polite at all times. Dangerous and irresponsible behaviour, swearing and bad language are not acceptable.

3.

Children are expected to WALK around the school keeping to the left.

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4.

Please keep the school clean and tidy. Litter is to be placed in the containers provided around the school.

5.

Children must not bring toys or games to school, except with special permission, e.g. as part of a class project. If you disobey, and your belongings disappear or are broken, the school will not be held responsible.

6.

Chewing gum, fizzy drinks, sweets and lollipops are not allowed in school.

7.

Children should not be in the school buildings before school starts, after school is finished or during playtimes, except with special permission.

8.

Children should not come to school before 8.50am in the morning, unless they are attending Breakfast Club.

9.

Children are expected to change for P.E. swimming and games.

P.E. Indoors: Shorts and t-shirt for apparatus work.

P.E. Games Outdoors: A change of clothing is required, otherwise pupils will not be allowed to participate. School P.E. kit preferable, however, T-shirt, shorts, ¾ length trousers or tracksuit bottoms are accepted (dependent on weather conditions). Trainers or plimsolls essential!

N.B. Jewellery is not allowed to be worn during P.E. lessons!

10.

If a child is absent or expected to be absent, an explanation is required from parents, written or verbal. Children are not allowed to leave the school premises unaccompanied during the school session, unless parents request this in writing – this includes the lunch period if children usually stay for lunch.

11.

Please bring unbreakable containers for your drinks. Glass bottles are not allowed.

Rules for the Classroom 1.

We always respect other people and look after new children and visitors.

2.

We must try to do our best work all the time.

3.

We follow instructions the first time they are given

4.

When we are working, conversation should only be about our work and the task in hand

5.

We look after our own and other people’s property.

6

We keep our classroom and our drawers tidy

7.

We never leave the classroom without permission.

PARENTS ARE EXPECTED TO MAKE CHILDREN CLEARLY AWARE OF THESE RULES & CO-OPERATE IN THEIR ENFORCEMENT We believe in positive behaviour management and in order to reinforce acceptable standards of behaviour, a merit system is in place. Should your child receive a merit St Helen’s Primary School Prospectus

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award for academic achievement, good behaviour, etc. please be lavish them with your praise?

Fortunately, most pupils at our school show a caring, responsible attitude, particularly the Upper Juniors who now share a monitoring role with the staff. They understand, for example, that behaviour such as bullying and racism are NOT TOLERATED.

Equal Opportunities Discrimination on the basis of creed, colour, culture, origin, gender and ability is unacceptable in our school.

Every person in school will contribute towards a happy and caring environment by showing respect for and appreciation of each other, as individuals.

An equal opportunities philosophy that is in line with the City and County of Swansea’s Equal Opportunities Policy will be practised by all staff.

We promote the principles of fairness and justice for all through the education that we provide in our school.

We ensure that all pupils have equal access to the full range of educational opportunities provided by the school.

Disability Equality The school has a duty under the Disability Discrimination Act to collect information on any disability your child or immediate family/carer may have. This is to ensure the school can seek to meet your individual needs. All information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence. The school has an Accessibility Plan which is reviewed every three years or sooner if necessary.

Race Equality It is the right of all pupils to receive the best education the school can provide, with access to all educational activities organised by the school. We do not tolerate any forms of racial harassment which includes racist name calling, racist caricature based on prejudice, the stirring of racial hatred and the drawing or writing of racist materials.

We are committed to combating racial discrimination and racial harassment by challenging stereotyping and prejudice whenever it occurs.

We endeavour to make the school a welcoming place for all ethnic and national groups represented in the community including travellers, asylum seekers and refugees.

Children are encouraged to be aware of what racism means through the Citizenship programme and are encouraged to report incidents where there is the suspicion of racism.

We ensure that all recruitment, employment, promotion and training system are fair to all, and provide opportunities for everyone to achieve.

We constantly strive to remove any forms of indirect discrimination that may form barriers to learning, for example by ensuring that book resources reflect a diverse society and do not contain negative images.

“The successful promotion of good race relations together with an ethos of inclusion that permeates every aspect of school life are outstanding features”. ESTYN May 2010

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How will the school deal with bullying or racist incidents?

Should an incident occur, we will act immediately to prevent any repetition of the incident as follows: • The head or deputy head teacher will deal with the matter.

• If the incident happens at lunchtime the children involved will be kept apart from each other, the allegation logged, and a report made immediately by the senior midday supervisor to the head or deputy for full investigation.

• The incident will be reported in the incident file.

• It will be logged onto the computer file for analysis purposes.

• All persons concerned with the incident will be interviewed.

• No excuse will be accepted for a racist action whatever the provocation.

• If the case is found proven against the child, the child will be warned as to future conduct, will be punished in an appropriate manner and the incident logged.

• Parents will be informed by phone. A second incident will result in the parents of the offending child being informed in writing.

• A third incident will result in exclusion, dependent upon the time lapse between the first and third incident.

Where ever there is a pattern of unacceptable behaviour, pupils will be disciplined. In serious cases parents will be called to the school and will be expected to co-operate with the school in enforcing acceptable standards of behaviour.

The ultimate sanction is a period of suspension of a pupil by the Headteacher, which is permanently recorded in the School Log Book and reported to the School Governors and LA.

Complaints Procedure In the event that you should have a complaint the L.A. has prepared a Formal Complaints procedure, a copy of which is available from the school, the Education Department or the Public Library. The Governing Body has approved this document setting out the arrangement for Swansea C.C. in respect of the County Complaints Procedure which is available from school upon request. It is summarised as follows:1) 2)

3) 4)

Informal complaint to Headteacher and staff of the school.

Formal (written) complaint to the Assistant Education Officer and Governing Body. Further advice is available from County Pupil and Parent Support section 01792 636537 Further formal complaint to the Assistant Education Officer to the Director of Education.

Formal complaint via Director of Education to County member’s panel.

Only after all stages of approved local arrangement have been exhausted can the Secretary of State entertain any such complaint.

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Charging and Remissions – School Trips Pupils undertake various school visits and journeys each year, often as part of class projects and subject to parental consent. Where ever possible we endeavour to take part in national initiatives and projects.

From time to time we ask parents to contribute to a large part of the cost of these visits.

Under the new Education Reform Act, we can only ask for voluntary contributions and if these do not cover the cost, the trip cannot be run. If this cost is likely to be the cause of any financial hardship, please see the Headteacher so that special arrangement can be considered, you may be assured that strict confidentiality will be observed.

Sport We fully recognise the potential benefits that sporting activities can bring to a child’s all round development. This is acknowledged in the high priority it is given here at St Helen’s Primary School. A wide range of sporting opportunities are offered to all children including tennis, football, cricket, swimming and athletics. Pupils regularly represent the school, County and occasionally their country. The school has successful football and cricket teams which play regularly in the leagues, plus tennis, rounders and teams which play friendly matches with local schools. Practices are held after school when the weather permits, written consent is needed from parents for a pupil to attend.

From time to time we benefit from the expertise of sports coaches who visit school to work with teachers and pupils. Suitable clothing such as shorts, t-shirt and trainers are essential for comfort and safety.

I.C.T. Suite Computers and ICT have become central to all pupils learning. In order to improve the quality of teaching and learning for our pupils we have established a dedicated computer room based on a Doctor Who / Space theme. The room has sixteen computers, which are networked and linked to a managed network service to provide safe access to the internet. In addition to this the school also has nine interactive white boards to enhance learning and the children make regular use of other equipment like digital cameras. In conjunction with Swansea University we have been able to run adult learning courses run by qualified tutors. If you are interested in joining one of these classes please contact the office for details. A school website is a valuable communication tool for parents, pupils and teachers. All the latest information can be obtained from www.sthelensprimary.ik.org St Helen’s Primary School Prospectus

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Library Project We have worked hard over the years decorating the school library, using stories as our main theme. We have raised funds and purchased a variety of fiction and non-fiction books to foster the joy that reading can bring and provide a wealth of information for a wide range of class and personal projects. All books have been entered into the computerised library system and we ‘lend’ books to children in much the same way as a public library. With support from all staff and outside agencies, we hope to develop a ‘child centred’ and ‘child friendly’ library, so pupils use the library as a learning tool. We have recently purchased a flat screen TV and have installed a dedicated video conferencing laptop in the library, so pupils can use a webcam to talk to other pupils from around the globe.

Extra Curricular Music Extra-curricular music is offered by the music coordinator and Mr Godwin the peripatetic music teacher. Instrumental tuition is offered for recorders, guitars and keyboards.

Playground Developments We have a “secret garden” at the back of the school where each class is responsible for the upkeep of their very own garden allotment. Our main project for 2009/10 was to continue to develop our environment and the general use of the yards to promote curriculum learning, as well as physical activity and play. Pupils have designed a fantastic ‘Peace Garden’ which celebrates all the different faiths and religions of the world. A fitness trail was purchased for the junior yard and a fantastic story telling chair placed in the infant yard. Children have been actively involved in painting boards to go onto the walls to make the yards more appealing. We have various zones in the playground to foster reflective time, paired games, sand pit and stepping stones. The area of focus for this year is to creatively develop our Junior yard.

Breakfast Club The school has a FREE Breakfast Club for Reception to Year 6 pupils. The club starts at 8am and finishes at 8:50am each weekday during term time. Pupils attending the club will be supervised and dismissed to their respective classes at 8:50am. Pupils have to register by 8.30am and will be involved in a variety of games and activities once they have finished their breakfast.

Morning Healthy Tuck Shop There is a fruit Tuck Shop which sells a range of fruit from as little as 20p per item, every morning break time.

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Inspection of Documents Documents required to be made available by Regulation may be inspected and, where appropriate, copied at the school during school hours by arrangement with the Headteacher.

School schemes of work, policies and teachers’ planning are available to view under this arrangement

Recognition of School Achievement In recognition of achievement and excellent standards in both Basic Skills and in supporting staff in carrying out their jobs and provide the highest levels of teaching and learning, the school has been awarded the nationally recognised Investors In People award and Basic Skills Quality Mark. We have been granted Healthy School status having achieved Phase I of the Health Promoting Schools Award in July 2005. We have the LEA Bronze and Silver Self Evaluation Awards.

We are Eco Green Flag school and received the Becta ICT Quality Mark in December 2009. In 2009, St. Helen’s was awarded joint 1st prize for the Peace Mala Award and has been nominated in the final two schools for the International Award as Best Newcomer 2009.

And finally...

St Helen’s Primary School is a lively, busy and exciting school.

We have very committed school staff who work terrifically hard to provide the very best. We

are working hard to provide a happy, successful, all-round education for the children in our care, one that caters for their individual needs and enables them to fulfil their potential. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with you and your children in the years to come. We are delighted to have your family with us. We hope you will all be happy in our school.

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HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME According to the Education (Schools and Further Education) Regulations 1981 parents may, on application, be granted leave of absence from school for their child, in order for the child to accompany them on an annual family holiday and only for a maximum of 10 days. It states further that, save in exceptional circumstances, a pupil may not be granted more than two weeks leave of absence in any year. Parents wishing to take their child out of school during term time must complete a ‘Holiday Form’ and submit it to the Headteacher.

School Terms and Holiday Dates – Academic Year 2010/2011

Term

Autumn 2010 Spring 2011 Summer 2011

Term Begins

Term Ends

Wednesday Friday 1st 22nd September October Monday Friday rd 3 18th January February Tuesday Friday 3rd 27th May May

2010/2011 Mid Term Holidays Begins Ends

Monday 25th October Monday 21st February Monday 30th May

Friday 29th October Friday 25th February Friday 3rd June

Term Begins

Term Ends

Monday Friday 1st 17th November December Monday Friday th 28 15th February April Monday Wednesday 6th 20th June July TOTAL

Total Days Per Term 73

70

52

195

List of closure days for Academic Year 2010 / 2011 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Wednesday 1st September 2010 Monday 1st November 2010 Tuesday 4th January 2010 TBC TBC

BANK HOLIDAYS 22nd April 2011 – Good Friday

2nd May 2011 – May Day Holiday

25th April 2011 – Easter Monday

30th May 2011 – Spring Bank Holiday

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APPENDICES

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REQUEST FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICINE IN SCHOOL

Dear Parents, We are receiving numerous requests to administer medicines to children.

Swansea C.C. recommend the following: 1

Only prescribed medicines may be given – proprietary medicines bought by parents should not be sent to school.

2.

Requests for teachers to administer medicines should be made in writing, stating clearly the name of the child, the name of the medicines, the dose, the times of administration and the duration of treatment (see attached form and keep for possible future use).

3.

All medicines should be clearly labelled with the name and address of the child, the dose and the times of administration of the dose and any expiry date if appropriate.

4.

The child should not be entrusted with carrying medicines to school each day. Medicines should be delivered and collected by a parent or other responsible adult.

5.

We should be grateful if you could keep to these recommendations. They would help to ensure the welfare of your child.

Yours sincerely

Jayne Woolcock (Headteacher)

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REQUEST FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICINE IN SCHOOL I………………………………………………………Name of parent/guardian of……………………………………………………………..address ………………………………………………………………… parent/guardian of ………………………………………..(name of child in fully) …………………………………………………..

Date of birth

hereby request that ………………………………………..(name) should receive name of medicine ………………………………………………..(as on container) dose of medicine

………………………………………………

time of administration ……………………………………………… expiry date if known

…………………………………………………

duration of treatment …………………………………………………….. any possible side effects…………………………………………………… name of doctor……………………………………………………………… surgery address telephone number………………………………………..

The medicine will be administered by either the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or the Class teacher, Staff, whilst taking all possible care, will not be held responsible for any problems that might occur.

We only accept medication that is in its original labelled container.

School use: Teacher’s checklist.

• Check all of the above against the medicine • Check that the label indicates the name of the child

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St. Helen’s Primary School Vincent Street, Swansea SA1 3TY Headteacher: Mrs. J. Woolcock, B.Ed. (Hons), NPQH Deputy Headteacher: Mr. K. Hodder, B.Ed. (Hons)

BASIC SKILLS AGENCY’S QUALITY MARK AWARD 2004

: (01792) 655763 : (01792) 470019

e- : St.Helens.Primary@swansea-edunet.org.uk Website: www.sthelensprimary.ik.org

Annwyl / Dear Parent, We welcome you and your child to St Helen’s School and hope that the years spent here will be both happy and rewarding. The information in this prospectus is intended to help in introducing you and your child to the school.

Each year we have numerous visitors to the school, and it is pleasing to note how many pass unsolicited comments on the high quality of the learning environment and relationships within the school. The school is justifiably proud of its reputation for academic, sporting and aesthetics achievement and its concern for the individual child, both in terms of welfare and educational; and extra-curricular provision. We work on the premise that each child is entitled to the highest quality educational experience that can be provided.

As a parent, there are a number of things you can do to help us: do reassure your children about school; talk to them about their teacher, the activities they are doing, the friends they are making, and above all, the happy time which they will have; do keep us informed of any significant details relating to your child’s education, tell us of any circumstances which might have a bearing on the way in which your child reacts with school. This information will be regarded as confidential and will help us to care more effectively for your child; do not hesitate to come and see us at any time if there is a matter you wish to discuss, or any anxiety you wish to share. Remember, however that some things are better discussed away from your child, at a time when the teacher is free to talk to you.

You may be sure that we will do our best for your child. The staff are highly skilled at assessing each pupil’s individual level of development and then supporting them in moving, at their own pace, towards their full potential. We work hard to ensure all children feel good about themselves are tolerant and respectful of others and acquire a high level of self esteem.

We wish your child a happy introduction to the school and successful and enjoyable progress while he/she is with us. We strongly believe that your involvement in this process is crucial and we hope we are working with your child. We are keen to have parental involvement at all levels and if you have any spare time to come into school and work with us, you will be made very welcome.

Yr eiddoch yn gywir / Yours sincerely,

Jayne Woolcock Pennaeth / Headteacher St Helen’s Primary School Prospectus

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